Graduate Dean's Office

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

The Curriculum and Instruction Program

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is offered to fully-certified elementary and secondary school teachers. (Certification is an option in the Early Childhood Cluster only.) The 36-credit Curriculum and Instruction MEd program at Shippensburg University fosters teacher growth through exploration of principles of theory and practice that enhance teaching.

The program consists of 18 core credits that focus on four critical areas embedded in effective teaching:

Curriculum and Assessment (3 credits)

Effective Teaching & Leadership (6 credits)

The Learner (6 credits)

Focus on Research (3 credits)

The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction includes the following 18 credits of cluster choices: Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education

Middle Level Education

Secondary Education Biology

Secondary Education Geography/Earth Science

Secondary Education History

Secondary Education Mathematics

Secondary Education Modern Languages

Curriculum and Instruction Admission Requirements

Admissions are accepted on an ongoing and rolling basis for future semesters. Applicants are asked to allow at least two months lead time for processing paperwork, scheduling interviews, and completing the application packet.

To be considered for admission, you must meet the following requirements:

Have a degree in education from a regionally accredited college or university and provide official transcripts of all undergraduate/graduate work.

Appear for an interview and a planning review during which a program plan will be completed. This interview will be set up by the Academic Department following the submission of all application documents.

Secondary Biology Cluster

18 credits in Biology from 400- and 500-level courses, including courses offered by the Marine Science Consortium at Wallops Island. At least 12 credits must be taken in the
Biology Department. Students may structure their courses to meet individual sub-disciplinary interests.

Secondary Geography/Earth Science Cluster

18 credits in Geography/Earth Science from 400- and 500-level courses. Three credits may be taken with advisement from Geography/Earth Science, Biology, History, Political Science, Chemistry or International Studies.

Secondary History Cluster

18 credits in History from 400- and 500-level courses from three categories: United States and North American History (3 credits); Global Connections (3 credits); History Electives (12 credits)

Secondary Mathematics Cluster

18 credits in Mathematics. Students may choose up to 6 credits from any 400-level MAT courses. They must take at least 12 credits from the 500 level.

Secondary Modern Languages Cluster

18 credits in language and methodology from 400- to 500-level courses (at least 12 credits from the 500 level). This cluster offers an option in French or Spanish. Students must demonstrate evidence of oral and written proficiency in Spanish/French by taking the ACTFL OPI (oral proficiency interview) and the ACTFL written test. Completion of the master’s will entail an oral exam and a Spanish/French Education research project.

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty

The Curriculum and Instruction program is delivered by a diverse faculty representing both the
College of Education and Human Services and the
College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty from the following departments will sponsor courses in this program: Educational Leadership & Special Education, Biology, Geography/Earth Science, History, Mathematics, and Teacher Education.